The Night of the Deal I can make this all go away, Rafael says, his voice smooth and casual, like theyre having the most normal conversation in the world.
His gaze is fixed on her, intense but strangely calm.
Elenas heart skips a beat as she looks across the table at him, her fork frozen halfway to her mouth.
Theyre having dinner at one of those fancy places he loves so much, and every silver utensil and crystal glass feels like its part of the trap hes carefully setting.
Go away? Elena asks, her voice sharp, but its hard to hide the doubt.
How do you plan on doing that? She leans back slightly, trying to distance herself, but its impossible.
Hes always there, looming, pulling her closer with every word he says.
I can make everything disappear, Rafael says, his voice lowering as he leans in.
All the pressure.
The lies.
The threats.
All of it.
Gone.
He pauses for effect, watching her closely, as if hes waiting for her to beg for it, to beg for freedom.
All you have to do is one simple thing.
Elenas breath hitches.
This isnt the first time hes dangled something in front of her like this, but this time, something feels different.
Her stomach churns, a mix of fear and confusion.
Whats the catch? Rafael smiles, like hes been waiting for her to ask that question.
Its simple, he says.
You publicly announce your love for me at the engagement party tomorrow night.
Thats it.
No strings attached.
Her heart drops.
The words sting more than she expected, a sharp slap against everything shes tried to hold onto.
You want me to lie? Elenas voice cracks, and she quickly swallows the lump in her throat.
No, Rafael says, his voice gentle, almost affectionate.
I want you to accept the truth.
Youre mine, Elena.
You always have been.
He sits back, his expression going from soft to something darker.
Once you say the words, Ill stop going after Alexander.
Hell be safe.
I wont come for him.
I wont come for you anymore.
His eyes lock onto hers with a mixture of certainty and possessiveness.
Youll be free.
Free to live your life.
All you have to do is stand up there, in front of everyone, and admit it.
Elena feels a rush of conflicting emotionsdisbelief, anger, and something else she doesnt want to face.
Her thoughts race.
Could she do it? Could she stand there and lie, pretend that everything Rafael has done to her is okay, just to protect Alexander? Just to protect herself from further pain? But the more she thinks about it, the more she realizes how much she doesnt have a choice.
The idea of Alexander being free from Rafaels graspof being free of Rafaels control over her lifepulls at her heart.
The thought of finally breaking free from the constant threat, the fear that follows her every stepits enough to almost convince her.
No.
Elena shakes her head, trying to steady herself, though her hands are shaking.
I wont do it.
I cant pretend to love you.
I dont.
Youre nothing but a prison to me.
Rafaels face hardens at her words, and for a second, Elena sees the darkness that he keeps hidden behind his charming exterior.
His eyes flash with something dangerous, but then, just as quickly, he pulls back, his smile returning.
Are you really going to make me do this the hard way? he asks, his voice quieter now, a dangerous calm.
Im giving you a chance, Elena.
A chance to stop all of this from going any further.
Youve been running from me for too long, but you can end it tonight.
You have no idea how much power you hold in your hands.
The weight of his words hangs heavy in the air.
Elena doesnt know if its the desperation in his voice or the way hes staring at her, but the room suddenly feels smaller.
The walls are closing in on her again, and she feels like shes suffocating.
Its like hes trying to convince her that this is her only way out.
But Elena knows better.
She knows she cant trust him.
Not now.
Not ever.
No deal, Rafael, she says firmly, though her voice shakes slightly.
She cant let him think that shes considering it.
She cant let him see how close she is to breaking.
I wont do it.
I wont lie for you.
Rafaels smile falters for just a second before it comes back, tighter, colder.
Well see, he says softly, but theres no mistaking the threat in his voice.
Well see tomorrow night at the party.
The rest of the dinner feels like a blur to Elena.
She forces herself to eat, to act normal, but all she can think about is whats coming.
Tomorrow.
The engagement party.
The public announcement.
The choice she has to make.
As they leave the restaurant, Rafaels hand brushes against her back, guiding her toward the car.
Elena doesnt fight him.
She doesnt say a word.
She cant.
Shes not sure what to do anymore.
Every decision feels like its leading her deeper into a trap she cant escape.

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The next evening, Elena stands in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection.
The dress shes wearing is beautiful, delicate, but she feels like shes wearing a prison.
Every piece of jewelry, every part of her appearance feels like its part of the facade shes been forced to put on for Rafael.
The lights are dim in the room, and her reflection stares back at her, cold, empty.
She doesnt recognize herself.
Shes made up her mind.
Shes going to do this.
Shell stand on that stage.
Shell say the words.
Shell protect Alexander, even if it means hurting herself in the process.
Its the only way.
But as the doors to the ballroom open, and she steps out onto the stage in front of everyone, Elenas heart skips a beat.
The crowd is silent, waiting for her to speak.
And then her gaze lands on Alexander, standing at the back of the room.
Hes watching her, his eyes wide with shock, confusion, and something else she cant place.
She grips the microphone tightly, her hands cold and trembling.
The weight of the moment presses down on her like a thousand-pound stone.
Shes so close to breaking, to walking away, but she cant.
Elena takes a deep breath, her eyes never leaving Alexanders.
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